Company News Feature

Chad Kolean New CFO at Titan Spine

Elizabeth Hofheinz, M.P.H., M.Ed. • Thu, October 5th, 2017

Chad Kolean, a 25-year veteran of the bioscience industry, is the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Mequon-Wisconsin-based Titan Spine, LLC.

As the company wrote in its September 12, 2017 news release, “Prior to joining Titan, Mr. Kolean served as the CFO for Cellectar Biosciences, a life sciences company, where he drove a management restructuring and raised substantial funds resulting in up listing to the NASDAQ Capital Market. Previously, he served as the CFO at Pioneer Surgical Technologies, providing the organization with leadership strategy, development and execution, Board support, investor relations, budgeting, forecasting, operations and regulatory due diligence. Kolean is a certified public accountant and earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Hope College.”

Kolean commented, “I am thrilled to join the team at Titan Spine, particularly at such an exciting time for the company. We are well-positioned for continued financial growth that capitalizes on a strong first half of 2017. Titan Spine is making substantial progress addressing the key needs for both patients and surgeons, and the company’s growth is a direct reflection of the increased demand surgeons have for the advantages of our nanoLOCK surface technology.”

Peter Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer of Titan Spine, added, “Chad’s appointment as our CFO validates and reflects our rapid expansion as we continue to disrupt our industry and redefine the role of interbody devices in the fusion process. The growing demand for our technology and our strong sales team has led to significant growth, especially in the first half of this year, and we believe Chad will help drive our continued progress, further benefiting patients at the nano-cellular level to heal faster following spinal fusions.”

Kolean told OTW, “My initial goal is to assess how the company can optimize its operations from a financial perspective and ensure that we are focused on using our resources to most effectively drive the attainment of our near and long-term objectives. Titan has done an excellent job of generating market-leading sales growth to date due, in large part, to the company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes. The burgeoning demand for our nanoLOCK surface technology creates a unique opportunity for our talented finance team, and we look forward to supporting the rest of the organization during this time of hypergrowth moving forward.”

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Mike Lobinsky, Pierre Schwich Now at EOS imaging

Elizabeth Hofheinz, M.P.H., M.Ed. • Thu, August 17th, 2017

Mike Lobinsky and Pierre Schwich have come on board at Paris, France-based EOS imaging, with Lobinsky taking on the position of President, North America and Schwich assuming the position of chief financial officer (CFO).

The company wrote in its July 18, 2017 news release, “Lobinsky has formerly served as U.S. Vice President, Sales and Implementation – Robotics at Smith & Nephew, which he joined through their 2016 acquisition of Blue Belt Technologies, a global leader in surgical robotics. At Blue Belt, he served as Vice President, Sales, leading all sales related activities for the company’s Navio surgical system, which provides robotics-assistance in knee replacement surgery. From 2006 to 2013, Lobinsky served in roles of increasing responsibly at BioMedix Vascular Solution, most recently as Vice President, Sales and Marketing.”

“Pierre Schwich brings over 20 years of experience in Financial Management at high growth, public and private companies in the healthcare and technology sectors. Before joining EOS imaging, he was CFO of Pharnext, where he successfully led the company’s initial public offering. He was previously Financial and Legal Director of Oceasoft, a company specialized in connected sensors, and CFO of Cellectis where he contributed to a private placement with U.S. investors. Pierre was also Deputy CEO, in charge of finances, of Genesys Conferencing, a public company listed in Paris and on the NASDAQ, with a strong activity in the U.S.”

Pierre Schwich told OTW, “I am very excited to join EOS imaging at a stage when the company has already proven its uniqueness in imaging solutions for musculoskeletal pathologies through its technology platform. The company, listed on Euronext since 2012, also benefits from a highly professional governance with appropriate quality and compliance rules.”

“Over the coming weeks, I will complete my full understanding of the development, manufacturing and selling processes to further secure them and contribute to their improvement. I will also be focused on investor relations in order to increase our awareness within the financial community and gain interest from European and American investors. I am convinced of the exceptional potential of EOS imaging, and my role beyond the first six months will be to ensure the company has the financial organization and means to support its fast development.”

Mike Lobinsky commented to OTW, “I have always been impressed with the EOS technology and what the company has accomplished.

Titan Spine Awarded 4 (!) New Patents

Biloine W. Young • Tue, July 30th, 2013

Titan Spine, LLC of Mequon, Wisconsin, is celebrating the awarding of four new patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patents relate to the surface textures of the firm’s spine implants as well as the design of its ENDOSKELETON interbody device and system instrumentation. Titan Spine now holds 10 patents and has an additional 14 applications under review.

One patent covers aspects of the roughened surface of the implant. The implant features a combination of macro, micro and cellular-level textures on its surface which, company officials say, help induce the production of biologically active proteins necessary for bone growth.

Barbara Boyan, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, said, "The specific combination of Titan Spine's surface textures produces a distinct biological response at the implant site . In-vitro research supports this difference between Titan's devices and other interbody cages beginning at the cellular level, which may extend to an improved environment for fusion."

Chad Patterson, director of Product Development and Operations for Titan Spine, said, "Our surface treatment technology and interbody device design are truly unique in spinal care, as confirmed by the award of these new patents. We are pleased to be a leader in interbody IP and excited to continue to innovate and expand our portfolio to further pioneer the application of surface technology, implant design and advanced surgical techniques speeding patient recovery in spine care."

Elizabeth Hofheinz, M.P.H., M.Ed. • Mon, August 28th, 2017

As the company wrote in its August 15, 2017 news release, “Asarpota will be responsible for the company's global finance functions including accounting, FP&A, treasury and tax. He joins NuVasive with nearly 25 years of experience in financial and executive leadership roles across the healthcare industry.”

“Asarpota began his career at General Electric (GE) in the GE Financial Management program, including finance roles in commercial operations, plant and manufacturing analysis, sourcing and R&D analysis. He then joined the GE Corporate Audit Staff program and from there moved to GE Healthcare where he held a variety of key finance operating roles.”

“In the last 15 years, he has accumulated critical experience in both public and private enterprises, highlighted by his decade-long tenure at Life Technologies where he helped drive the growth from a small biotech company to a $4 billion life sciences leader. More recently, Mr. Asarpota was the CFO of publicly-traded Questcor Pharmaceuticals and supported the sale of that company, and then worked in private equity-backed healthcare companies for the last several years in executive financial and operational roles. Asarpota earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Bombay in Bombay, India and an MBA from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.”

"Raj brings a strong financial and operational background to the NuVasive leadership team as we continue to focus on driving revenue growth and expanding profitability," said Gregory T. Lucier, NuVasive's chairman and CEO. "I have worked closely with Raj at multiple companies where we were successful at expanding market share and transforming operations. He's a proven leader who will drive significant shareholder value."

Asarpota told OTW, “I’m eager to jump right in and start working with the strong finance team that NuVasive has built and help drive the goals the company has established. I am very fortunate that have worked with many of those on the executive team in the past and so I expect to quickly ramp up my knowledge of the spine industry, the company and our strategic plan for continued growth and profitability.”

“It is a rare opportunity to join a company like NuVasive with so much opportunity ahead of it.

Laser Spine Institute Partnering With Spinal Kinetics, Titan Spine

Elizabeth Hofheinz, M.P.H., M.Ed. • Tue, November 17th, 2015

Laser Spine Institute has announced that it will partner with two companies for two upcoming clinical trials: Spinal Kinetics and Titan Spine. Patients will be enrolled at Laser Spine Institute’s ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Tampa, Florida.

According to the news release, “In an FDA-regulated clinical trial studying the M6-C artificial cervical disc, considered by some to be the most advanced technology in motion preservation, Laser Spine Institute will partner with Spinal Kinetics by enrolling patients in the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) control group arm of the trial…”

“The clinical trials with Titan Spine will involve transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedures for up to 25 clinical trial patients. The procedure fuses the anterior and posterior columns of the spine through a posterior approach…”

Laser Spine Institute President David Pillsbury, told OTW, “Whether it’s through the introduction of new technology, or just simple improvements in our processes, we hope to be stewards of change with our clinical trials. While our patients will continue to receive our current standard of care, we’re hoping to make a big impact—particularly in pain levels and disability outcomes—in the least invasive way possible.”

John Rosich, National Sales Director-Target Accounts for Titan Spine, told OTW, “Titan Spine has enjoyed a long standing relationship with Laser Spine Institute’s newly appointed Director of Clinical Research, Dr. Reggie Davis, due to his interest in Titan’s proprietary surface technology and the potential benefits it has for his patients. Dr. Davis is the principal investigator for Titan's TLIF study and became the main conduit between Titan Spine and Laser Spine Institute when he joined their staff several months ago. We are pleased to have Laser Spine Institute as one of the research sites for our clinical study.”

Neal Defibaugh, Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Spinal Kinetics, told OTW, “Laser Spine Institute was selected to participate in our M6-C artificial cervical disc Pivotal Trial as a result of two very important factors. The first is Laser Spine Institute’s recent appointment of Dr. Reginald Davis as Director of Clinical Research for the organization’s strategic clinical trial platform.

New Zimmer Biomet To Be Headed by Dvorak and the 12 Disciples

Walter Eisner • Tue, November 4th, 2014

Zimmer Holdings, Inc. is feeling so confident of regulatory approval of its merger with Biomet, Inc. that the company announced what the combined company will be called after the merger is completed.

On October 30, 2014, the company also announced the future executive leadership team and organizational structure to be led by current Zimmer President and CEO Dave Dvorak. A new brand will be rolled out after the merger. There was no mention of current Biomet CEO Jeff Binder.

Dvorak and the Twelve Chiefs

The executive leadership team of the new Zimmer Biomet will comprise 12 executives reporting directly to Dvorak, and will be organized around three business units, three geographic regions and six functional areas.

Adam R. Johnson, Group President, with responsibility for the Spine, Microfixation, Bone Healing and Dental businesses. Johnson has served in leadership roles at Biomet for 12 years. Johnson currently leads Biomet's Spine, Microfixation and Bone Healing Division.

David A. Nolan, Group President, with responsibility for the Sports Medicine, Extremities, Trauma, Biologics and Surgical businesses. Nolan has more than 20 years of experience in commercial leadership roles at Biomet and Zimmer. Nolan currently leads Zimmer's Advanced Solutions portfolio.

Daniel E. Williamson, Group President, with responsibility for the Knee, Hip and Bone Cement businesses. Williamson has served in senior leadership roles at Biomet for 24 years. Williamson currently leads Biomet's Reconstructive Division.

Geographic Regions and Leadership

Stuart G. Kleopfer, President, Americas. The Americas region will be comprised of the United States, Canada and Latin America. Kleopfer has held the U.S. executive leadership position at Biomet for four years and has been with Biomet for 26 years.